Erie County Sheriff's Dept. Report 2014
Sheriff's Dept. Report 2013
Erie County Sheriff's Dept. Official Website
December 20 - December 26, 2014
December 13 - December 19, 2014
December 6 - December 12, 2014
November 29 - December 5, 2014
November 22 - November 28, 2014
November 15 - November 21, 2014
November 8 - November 14, 2014
November 1 - November 7, 2014
October 25 - October 31, 2014
October 18 - October 24, 2014
October 11 - October 17, 2014
October 4 - October 10, 2014
September 27 - October 3, 2014
September 20 - September 26, 2014
Sheriff Deputy in MVA - September 2014
An Erie County Sheriff's Deputy was involved in a two-car MVA at the corner of Love Road and East River Road on Thursday, September 25th at about 9:00 a.m. The Sheriff's Department reported the deputy was not injured and the other driver was taken to Kenmore Mercy Hospital.
September 13 - September 19, 2014
September 6 - September 12, 2014
Two Vehicle Crash Results in DWI Arrest - September 2014
Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports the Crash Investigation Unit is investigating a two vehicle crash, which resulted in a DWI Arrest. 25 year old, Nicholas A. Fachko, from the town of Grand Island, NY, was traveling, eastbound, on Whitehaven Road, in a 2011 Subaru Impreza, and crashed into the rear of a 2009 Ford Taurus, driven by 23 yr. old, Andrew M. Mrzygut, from the town of Grand Island, NY. Both subject were taken by Twin City ambulance to Erie County Medical Center where Mrzygut is listed in critical condition and Fachko was treated and released. Fachko was arrested for DWI and refused a chemical blood test to determine his BAC. Fachko was issued a ticket to appear in town of Grand Island Court, on October 15, 2014, for arraignment. Further charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.
August 30 - September 5, 2014
Body of Missing Teen Found - September 2014
The Erie County Sheriff's Office says they have found the body of a missing teen from Grand Island. Christian Wallinder, 18, was last seen around 1:00 p.m. on September 3rd on Grand Island. His body was found not far from his home. Deputies say no foul play is suspected. Police are still investigating.Teen Missing - September 2014
Thursday, September 4, 2014...The Erie County Sheriff's Office is looking for the public's assistance to find 18-year-old Christian Wallinder. The teenager's family told officials this is not the teen's normal behavior. Wallinder was last seen on Grand Island Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. He is described as a white male, 6'2", 165 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. If you have any information, call Erie County Sheriff Detective Brian O'Hara at 716-242-9612.
Deputy Treated for Minor Injuries - September 2014
Wednesday, September 3, 2014... Erie County Sheriff's Deputy Sheriff Matthew Fuqua was treated for minor leg injuries after an allegedly drug-impaired Grand Island driver apparently accidentally pinned him to the back of her car and against a marked Sheriff's car in the parking lot of the Sheriff's Grand Island Substation on Whitehaven Road about 9:15 a.m. Wednesday.Sheriff Timothy B. Howard said Fuqua had come out to interview Teresa Gilewicz, 22, about a complaint she wanted to lodge. After briefly talking to her as she sat at the driver's seat of her car he walked behind it to talk to another deputy about unrelated matters. Gilewicz allegedly shifted her car into reverse pinning Fuqua against the bumpers of the two cars. Fuqua was quickly helped and sent for medical treatment and released. He can return to duty today if he feels up to it. Gilewicz was charged with driving while impaired by drugs.
August 23 - August 29, 2014
August 16 - August 22, 2014
August 9 - August 15, 2014
August 2 - August 8, 2014
July 26 - August 1, 2014
July 19 - July 25, 2014
Woman Arrested on Multiple Charges - July 2014
Tuesday, July 22, 2014... Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports the arrest of a Grand Island woman for multiple charges after Deputies investigated a citizen complaint of erratic driving on Grand Island last night. Deputies Jason Clark and Brad Girdler arrested Margaret Vucetic (45) and charged her with Felony DWI (prior conviction from February 2014), Felony Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (revoked license for DWI), Driving without an Interlock Device, Resisting Arrest, Obstruction of Governmental Administration, and Disorderly Conduct after stopping her while investigating a complaint from a citizen about Vucetic's erratic driving on Whitehaven Road. Vucetic began fighting with the Deputies attempting to prevent them from arresting her. After arrest, she refused to submit to a breath test to determine her blood alcohol content. She was processed at the Grand Island Station and transported to the Holding Center to await arraignment on her charges. This was the 141st DWI arrest by Sheriff's Road Patrols in 2014.
July 12 - July 18, 2014
July 5 - July 11, 2014
June 28 - July 4, 2014
June 21 - June 27, 2014
June 14 - June 20, 2014
June 7 - June 13, 2014
May 31 - June 6, 2014
May 24 - May 30, 2014
May 17 - May 23, 2014
Sheriff Howard Stresses Boater Safety - May 2014
Ahead of the Memorial Day weekend and the start of the 2014 boating season, Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard is stressing boater safety for the local waterways. "Memorial Day is the unofficial start of the boating season for the Western New York waterways and many boaters and personal watercraft operators will be launching their vessels and taking advantage of our wonderful lakes, rivers and canals," states Sheriff Howard. "I want to stress boater safety and encourage everyone out on the water to remember to be Courteous, Cautious and use Common Sense."The Erie County Sheriff's Marine Unit will be patrolling the 90 miles of Erie County shoreline which includes Lake Erie, Niagara and Buffalo rivers and the New York State Barge and Block Rock canals. The unit's Deputies will be observing all boats and personal watercraft to ensure they are operating safely and following the navigational laws. Deputies will be on the lookout for potential intoxicated vessel operators and enforcing personal safety requirements. Sheriff Howard continues, "Our Marine Unit Deputies are on patrol 7 days a week to assist area boaters in distress and to conduct safety inspections to ensure everyone has a fun and safe time on the water. My Deputies work in conjunction with local, state and federal marine patrol agencies to make everyone's boating experience enjoyable and safe."
Beginning in 2014, New York water vessel operators under the age of 18 are required to hold a boater safety certificate issued by New York State Parks, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadron.
May 10 - May 16, 2014
May 3 - May 9, 2014
April 26 - May 2, 2014
April 19 - April 25, 2014
April 12 - April 18, 2014
Grand Island Drug Supplier Arrested - April 2014
April 15, 2014...Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports his narcotics unit arrested Rashaun A. Holt after selling a quantity of crack cocaine to an undercover Erie County Sheriffs' Deputy. Rashaun A. Holt, 29 years old of Ontario Street Buffalo, NY was supplying Grand Island residents with crack cocaine which was being used and sold on Grand Island and other areas throughout Erie County. He was taken into custody Tuesday 4/15/14, and charged with (2) counts of sale of a narcotic drug, B felonies and two(2) counts of criminal possession of a narcotic drug with the intent to sell, B felonies and an A misdemeanor resisting arrest. Holt is presently on Parole for similar drug related charges. Rashaun A. Holt was taken to the Erie County Holding Center to await arraignment in Buffalo City Court.
April 5 - April 11, 2014
Arrests Follow Motorcycle/Car Accident - April 2014
April 13, 2014... Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports the early evening arrest of a Kenmore man for DWI, and a motorcyclist from Grand Island for unlicensed operation following their motor vehicle injury accident in Grand Island. Erie County Sheriff's Deputies Jason Clark and Tim Cannan responded to Grand Island Blvd for a report of a car/motorcycle injury accident. Upon arrival, witnesses reported that a car driven by 35 y/o Anthony M. Viscuso of Kenmore veered into the driving lane of a motorcycle driven by Eugene A. Kelsey III of Grand Island, sideswiping and knocking the motorcycle over. Upon further interview and field sobriety tests, it was determined the driver of the car, Viscuso, was intoxicated. Viscuso was arrested for DWI and submitted to a chemical breath test resulting in a reading of .08% BAC. Viscuso's vehicle was towed on DWI hold and he was later released to a third party on appearance tickets to Grand Island Court at a later date. The motorcyclist, Kelsey, suffered a possible broken leg and was transported to ECMC for treatment. Kelsey did not have a motorcycle license and additionally, his driver's license was suspended for past alcohol related violations. Kelsey will be charged with unlicensed operation of a motorcycle and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the second degree. A female passenger on the motorcycle signed off on treatment at the scene. The investigation into the accident is on-going. This was the 65th DWI by the Erie County Sheriff's Road Patrol this year.
March 29 - April 4, 2014
Arrest Brings Multiple Charges - April 2014
April 3, 2014... Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports the early evening arrests of a Grand Island man and Springville woman for multiple charges and warrants following a traffic stop on Grand Island. Erie County Sheriff's Deputies Tim Cannan and Dan Milbrandt stopped a vehicle on Grand Island Blvd for a few equipment violations. Upon further interview of the driver, 43 y/o Gregory R. Swan of Grand Island, it was found that his driver's license was suspended. Swan was arrested and charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Vehicle 3rd degree and multiple other traffic and equipment violations. Swan was taken to the Erie County Holding Center and held on $250 bail. While being booked into the Holding Center, Swan was found to be hiding and trying to destroy a couple of prescription pills. Swan was further charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Swan will be held pending his arraignment. The passenger in Swan's vehicle, 44 y/o Kellie A. Innes of Springville, supplied Deputies with a false name in order to avoid being discovered as having three outstanding Bench Warrants, two from the City of Buffalo, and one from the Town of West Seneca. Innes was charged with False Personation and taken to the Erie County Holding Center and held to answer to her warrants.March 22 - March 28, 2014
Money Card Scam - March 2014
Sheriff Timothy B. Howard is warning Erie County residents to be wary of a Green Dot money card scam being perpetrated in local towns and villages. The scam involves cold phone calls being placed to local residents from out-of-area phone numbers. The caller, posing as a family member to the victim, states he is in some type of trouble with the law, usually that he is under arrest or owing court fees. He instructs the victim to proceed to Walmart, CVS or Walgreens, etc., to purchase thousands of dollars in Green Dot or Moneygram prepaid cards. The caller then requests the serial numbers on those cards to pay for his bail or attorney's fees in order to get him out of trouble. Two very recent cases have occurred in the Town of Boston and Elma, where one couple was scammed out of thousands of dollars. Sheriff Howard advises residents to contact the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at #858-2903 if they receive any suspicious calls of this nature. Contact Captain Gregory Savage at # 858-6670 with any questions concerning this press release.March 15 - March 21, 2014
Car Vandalism Near High School - March 2014
The Erie County Sheriff's Department has reported almost a dozen Grand Island cars being vandalized recently. The cars were unlocked, so it is essential to lock car doors and remove valuables from the vehicles. Many vehicles were located near the Grand Island High School. Sheriff Timothy B. Howard asks that if anyone has information about the vandalism to please contact Detective Brian O'Hara at 242-9612.March 8 - March 14, 2014
Class D Felony Marijuana Arrest - March 2014
Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports a Class D Felony marijuana arrest in the Town of Grand Island Monday night. A report of a woman being assaulted led to the discovery of a marijuana growing operation and the arrest of Grand Island resident Matthew J. Lazzaro (33) for Criminal Possession of Marijuana, 2nd degree and Unlawful Growing of Cannabis. Deputies Jason Clark and Bradley Girdler responded to the disturbance at a house on Huth Road and observed multiple marijuana plants growing. The Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit was called out to assist with their expertise in this arena. After a search warrant was obtained from Grand Island Town Judge Mark Frentzel, the Narcotics Unit and the Patrol Deputies seized approximately 250 marijuana plants and a large quantity of already harvested marijuana. The scene was processed by Crime Scene Investigator Deputy Lee Richard and Mr. Lazzaro was taken to the Erie County Holding Center pending arraignment. The charge is a Class D felony due to the quantity of marijuana seized being in excess of 16 ounces but less than 10 lbs.March 1 - March 7, 2014
Domestic Violence Information - March 2014
Erie County Sheriff's Office Domestic Violence Unit will have walk-in hours available at Grand Island Town Hall on Monday 8:30 - 4:30, Tuesday 8:30 - noon and Wednesday 8:30 - 4:30. You can also make a private appointment, find support and get general information by calling the Domestic Violence Advocate Joseph G. Chudoba at 773-9600 ext. 654 or 341-0544. For an emergency from a cell phone on Grand Island dial 773-7509.February 22 - February 28, 2014
Sheriff Howard Announces Membership Drive - March 2014
The New York State Sheriffs' Association Institute will begin its annual mailing for Honorary Membership drive in Erie County within the next few days according to Sheriff Timothy Howard. The New York State Sheriffs' Association Institute was established in 1979. It is a not-for-profit corporation, tax exempt organization, and contributions to the Institute are tax deductible.While the Sheriff's Office is a unit of county government, many of the concerns of Sheriffs and other law enforcement agencies are best addressed on a state wide level. The Sheriffs' Institute provides centralized training programs and services for all Sheriffs' Offices, where those programs and services would be unavailable or impractical on a single county basis.
The flagship program of the Sheriffs' Institute is the Sheriffs' Summer Camp for economically challenged children. The Sheriffs' Camp, in its 37th year of operation, is located on Keuka Lake and 840 children from across New York State attend each summer. The Sheriffs' Institute pays the entire cost of the camp stay and transportation. Most children attending wouldn't otherwise have an opportunity for vacation travel or a summer camp experience. The Sheriffs' Camp program combines summer recreation with activities designed to teach an understanding of, and respect for, our laws and the men and women who enforce them. The strong camper to counselor ratio allows for individual attention with an emphasis on the development of self-esteem. "In these difficult economic times we cannot forget our youth who will not have the opportunity for a summer camp experience or a summer vacation," Sheriff Timothy Howard said. "By becoming an honorary member you are supporting the Sheriff' Summer Camp for economically disadvantaged children."
In addition, the Sheriffs' Institute operates a scholarship program that provides one scholarship to each of New York State's Community College's Criminal Justice Programs. This program is designed to help attract the best and the brightest to the criminal justice vocation. For more information about the Sheriffs' Summer Camp and other Sheriffs' Institute Programs, visit the website, www.sheriffsinstitute.org or simply google "Sheriffs' Institute kids" and it will be your first option. Financial support for many of the Sheriffs' Institute programs comes from Honorary Membership dues. Invitations for Honorary Membership are extended on a non-partisan basis, and the invitees are selected at random. Any persons interested in supporting the efforts of the New York State Sheriffs' Association Institute by becoming an Honorary Member should contact the Sheriff if they do not receive an invitation in the mail, or visit our web site at: www.sheriffsinstitute.org to download an application. All donations made to the New York State Sheriffs' Association Institute are tax deductible. In addition, Sheriffs' Institute is registered with the New York State Attorney General's Charities Bureau.
Grand Island DWI Arrest - February 2014
Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports an arrest on Grand Island for DWI by Sheriff's Road Patrol late Saturday night. After responding to a call of a man passed out in a parking lot in Grand Island, Deputies Jason Clark and Bradley Girdler discovered David J. Schmidt, 24, asleep with his car running. He was subsequently charged with DWI. His Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was .14%. He was processed at the Whitehaven Road Station and released on appearance tickets.February 15 - February 21, 2014
February 8 - February 14, 2014
February 1 -February 7, 2014
January 25 - January 31, 2014
Grand Island DWI Arrest - February 2014
Erie County Sheriff's deputies reported Sunday that a man whose vehicle went off the road on Grand Island was charged with driving while intoxicated. A deputy arrived at West River Rd. and found Stephen Bobak, 27, of Grand Island intoxicated. Bobak was taken into custody and a breath test registered a blood-alcohol content of 0.19. Bobak was released on tickets to appear in Grand Island Town Court.Two Grand Island DWI Arrests - January 2014
Press Release 1/27/14....Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports that the Erie County Sheriff's Office made two DWI arrests overnight. These are the 10th and 11th DWI arrests by Sheriff's Deputies in 2014.In the first incident, Deputies Timothy Cannan and Daniel Milbrandt responded to a report of a two vehicle property damage accident on Broadway Rd. in Grand Island. During the investigation it was found that one of the drivers, 52 year old Mark Homa, was intoxicated. Homa was arrested and charged with DWI. A breath test revealed his blood alcohol level to be .17%. He was released on appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Grand Island Court at a future date.
In the second incident, Deputy David Zamorek stopped a vehicle driven by 27 year old Eric Stephenson of Grand Island because his view through his car window was obstructed. During the stop it became apparent that Stephenson was intoxicated. He was arrested and charged with DWI. Stephenson refuse to submit to a breath test to determine his blood alcohol content. He was released on appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Grand Island Court at a future date.
